Diagnostic Imaging Centers in the US - Industry Market Research Report

Positive diagnosis: Cost pressures are expected to incentivize small, freestanding imaging centers to join larger health systems with economies of scale

Diagnostic imaging centers play a crucial role in the US healthcare system, serving as the primary point of contact for patients seeking diagnostic imaging services. Imaging centers receive referrals from various healthcare providers, including hospitals, primary care physicians and specialists. As healthcare expenditure continues to rise, diagnostic imaging centers see an increase in the number of referrals as patients seek out better health outcomes. An aging population's expanding medical needs are a driver behind growing medical expenditure, as aging adults have a higher incidence of disease and injury. The COVID-19 pandemic's disruption to healthcare spending disrupted diagnostic imaging, as healthcare's focus shifted to emergency care and coronavirus patients. Yet, recovering patient volumes for elective care offset this, and revenue has been expanding at a CAGR of 0.8% to $23.8 billion over the past five years. As patient volumes remain steady and healthcare expenditure dwindles, growth in 2023 is expected to be more moderate, increasing an estimated 0.3% by year-end.

This industry includes outpatient freestanding facilities that use machines and techniques to create images of the inside of a patient’s body. The technology depends on symptoms and the part of the body being examined. Operators use various types of diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, CT scans, nuclear medicine scans, MRI scans and ultrasounds. Imaging facilities within a larger hospital are excluded, but mobile laboratories are included.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry's key players and their market shares.